Page 9 Foothills Sentry AUGUST 2025 You can STOP THE SPREAD of the GOLD SPOTTED OAK BORER. People are a primary source of the spread of this invasive insect. Don’t move firewood. Buy it where you burn it. Information at ucanr.edu/sites/gsobinfo Meet Mary and Bert from “Mary Poppins” By Erin Kociela This summer, Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts (TACFA) invites you to step in time under the stars at Peppertree Park as they present “Mary Poppins,” running August 5–9. Once again, TACFA teams up with Kris Lythgoe and Give Kids Panto to bring Broadway magic to Tustin in a whimsical, high-flying outdoor musical experience for all ages. With chimney sweeps, magical carpet bags, and a whole lot of heart, “Mary Poppins” promises to enchant the whole family. We caught up with two of the show's stars -- Katie DeShan, who plays the practically perfect Mary herself, and Morgan Reynolds, who brings the joyful and clever Bert to life -- to hear what’s in store behind the magic. Katie on becoming Mary Poppins: “Big shoes to fill— practically perfect ones" “Iconic is right,” Katie says of taking on the role made famous by Julie Andrews. “She has very big—or ‘practically perfect’— shoes to fill.” To prepare for the role, Katie draws from her own experience as a teacher, finding the balance between warmth and structure -- something Mary Poppins herself would most certainly approve. “Mary always wants to make sure there is structure, but not at the expense of warmth. I feel like I’m the same way when it comes to life and lessons.” When asked about connecting to Mary’s famously mysterious persona, Katie laughed. “I am the least mysterious person you’ll ever meet—I love making friends and telling stories! But like Mary, I love people, and I think that shows.” Her favorite song in the show? “Feed the Birds.” “It’s uncomplicated, yet beautiful, with a powerful message to simply listen.” And what does she hope audiences -- especially the youngest ones -- take away? “That anything really is possible, and that growth and change can happen if you let them!” Morgan as Bert: "Tap-Dancing with a Touch of Magic." For Morgan, playing Bert is a dream come true. "Growing up idolizing the classic song-anddance men of the golden age of musical theater, their essence is in the foundation of me as a performer.” Morgan’s take on Bert is a delightful mix of Dick Van Dyke with a dash of Jerry Lewis, a pinch of Danny Kaye, and, for fun, a breath of Buster Keaton. But what is Morgan most excited about? The dancing. “This role allows me to tap dance to new heights—it’s a thrilling challenge for me and a spectacle for the audience. ‘Step in Time’ is a number you do not want to miss!” Morgan sees Bert as the heart of wonder in the show, "encapsulating that childlike joy we all remember growing up with the story of Mary Poppins.” One of Morgan’s favorite moments is when Bert gets to welcome the audience at the top of the show: "It’s a special connection with the audience, silently saying we’re in this together.” And if Bert could take us anywhere through one of his chalk drawings? “After playing this character in theatres all across the country and overseas, it would have to be Hyde Park in London,” Morgan says. “It’s the birthplace of Peter Pan, where J.M. Barrie was inspired. There’s a tangible magic there. It’s the closest thing we have to Neverland in real life.” Don’t miss the magic! Bring the whole family for a magical night of music, laughter, and wonder at “Mary Poppins” in Peppertree Park. Tickets are on sale now at tacfa.org for the 7:45 p.m. shows, Tuesday, Aug. 5 through Saturday, Aug. 9. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for food and beverages, opportunity drawings, the free Mary Poppins Fun Zone, face painting, balloon artistry, pottery making and the Chimney Sweep Shoppe. Crescendo kicks off fall with Beach Boys tribute The Celebrity Speakers Series of the Crescendo Guild of Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents the Beach Boys tribute band, Catch A Wave, at its Thursday, Sept. 18 program, the first of the 2025/26 season. Catch A Wave (formerly The Beach Toys) is the original striped shirt, true-to-form Beach Boys tribute show that many have now copied. Band members are from Southern California, just like the Beach Boys themselves, and recreate the look and sound of a live Beach Boys concert. Hits include "Surfin’ USA," "Fun, Fun, Fun," "Good Vibrations," "California Girls" and "I Get Around." The show begins at 10 a.m. at the Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana. Parking is $7 cash at the museum. Tickets are $45 general admission. Bowers members may buy a ticket for $35. For information about tickets, contact Barbara Hagan at (714) 272-1134 or email crescendoticketsbowers@ gmail.com. Reserved tickets and additional tickets may be paid for at the door by using check, cash or credit card. The Guilds of Segerstrom, including the Crescendo Guild, raise funds to support the Center’s community engagement and arts education programs. OPA BBQ tickets on sale Tickets are now on sale for the Fall Orange Park Acres BBQ, and can be purchased online at orangeparkacres.org. This Orange Park Acres signature FUNdraiser will be held at the Sandford home, Saturday, Sept. 27. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The event supports the ongoing preservation of OPA’s 25-mile multiuse trail system, connections to regional parks and enhancement of the equestrian opportunities in this rural equestrian community established in 1928. The BBQ dinner will be followed by silent and live auctions and dancing to the Chris Lozano Band, back by popular demand. The BBQ is expected to sell out, so buying tickets early is recommended. To donate an auction item or volunteer to help, contact OPA President Sherry Panttaja at (714) 343-4965. Tuition-free hand embroidery classes offered Local artist and instructor Marilu Morency will resume her popular embroidery classes, online or in-person, beginning Aug. 19. Classes cover embroidery techniques from around the world and over the centuries. Hands-on projects include the embellishing of apparel, accessories and home furnishings, as well as creating framed pieces. A Zoom class is offered through Santa Ana College, Tuesdays, Aug. 19 – Dec. 9, from 5 – 7 p.m. (sac.edu/embroidery - Section # 823-69267). In-person classes will be held at the college on Wednesdays, Aug. 20 – Dec. 10, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (sac.edu/embroidery - Section # 823-69273). Santiago Canyon College will host in person classes on Thursdays, Aug. 21- Dec. 11, from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Register at sccforme.edu/activeadults - Section # 829-68437. Morency reports that these free continuing education courses will enable students to explore contemporary twists on timeless techniques. Beach Boys tribute band Catch A Wave kicks off the Crescendo 2025/26 Celebrity Speaker series, Sept. 18. Katie DeShan Morgan Reynolds
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